TEENAGE TIME KILLERS – Greatest Hits Volume 1 – REVIEW

The word ‘supergroup’ is usually met with a disdain, thanks to a slew of self-indulgent drivel that often results from such projects. This is a Probot-esque project with some rather big names involved. Delivering a range of heavy styles; classic trash metal, punk-rock, with lots of interesting detours along the way.

The album was conceived and co-produced by Reed Mullin, Mick Murphy & John “Lou” Lousteau. Mick played guitar on all tracks (except Barrio + Son of an Immigrant) which he played bass on and Reed Mullin played drums on all tracks except Big Money, Exploder + Teenage Time Killers. Despite that, I suspect Mr Dave Grohl will hijack the limelight. It seems he can do no wrong in the eyes of fans and the media. So will this project continue the trend? Here he plays bass on many of the songs.

Let’s see where this 20 track dose of metal takes me. Yes that’s right 20 songs, this is a full on double dose of rock, so many songs it really feels like a binge but what the hell, if I could assemble a supergroup I’d want all my heroes to play on it!

The press were only sent this at the very last moment so as time is super limited I’ve decided to take a slightly different approach to my review. I’ll take this track by track and feedback my gut instinct. One hour to write and listen to this, so this is probably the worst review I’ll ever write. But who cares, let’s rock!

“Exploder”

Vocals, Reed Mullin. Pat Hoed (Bass), London May (Drums)

A punk-rock stomper with singalong chants gets the album off to an explosive start! Instantly impressed. This could be a corker of a record. Mullin’s vocals are quite impressive.

“Crowned by the Light of the Sun”

Vocals, Neil Fallon, Jim Rota (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

Slowing the pace down a bit with some big fat slow riffage. Following the tried and tested grunge template. Almost sounds like Soundgarden with Ozzy on vocals. Pleasant.

“Hung Out to Dry”

Vocals, Randy Blythe, Mike Schaefer (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

Primus meets Lamb of God! Delivering an impressive rap, if that’s the correct term. Something I haven’t heard Blythe do before. My favourite track so far. This is ace but too short! 3 songs in and this is already shaping up to be an awesome album.

“Power Outage”

Vocals, Clifford Dinsmore, Dave Grohl (Bass)

Slowing things right down with some old school metal, this track takes a bit of time to get going in the punk rock style you’d expect from Dinsmore. Seems to fall a little flat this one for me, just no magic. NEXT!

“Ode to Hannity”

Vocals, Jello Biafra, Mike Dean (Bass)

Long soundblurb intro. ‘Blah blah blah!’ croaks in the intro and takes us nicely into a super short and super fun song from ex Dead Kennedys main man, gets the party back on track.

“Barrio”

Vocals, Matt Skiba, Brian Baker (Guitar)

Pop punk yawn alert! This guy is now in Blink 182, so I’m told. Good for a bit of variation in the album but pop punk is not for me. Sounding like a super tame The Bronx, I’d rather listen to the Bronx to be honest. NEXT!

“The Dead Hand”

Vocals, Reed Mullin, Woody Weatherman (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

Ooh now here’s a riff. Chugga chugga! This is pretty much what you’d expect from Corrosion of Conformity fans will enjoy this one.

“Egobomb”

Vocals, Corey Taylor, Dave Grohl (Bass)

I’m a bit disappointed in this song if I’m honest. Fans of Stone Sour will lap up the metal-core style vocals. Personally I was hoping for a Slipknot style rampage. Oh well still a mighty fine track. The chorus has a slightly annoying repetition which sounds like the needle is stuck.

“Plank Walk”

Vocals, Pete Stahl, Greg Anderson (Guitar), Dave Grohl (Bass)

Mr Growl used to play in Pete Stahl’s old band you know. Delivering vocals in a melodic punk style that hints at Iron Maiden at points. Fun song but it feels a little unfinished and rushed.

“Time to Die”

Vocals, Mike IX Williams; Greg Anderson (Guitar)

NOLA legend Eyehategod front man brings another angle to this party. Hardcore punk this is great!

“Days of Degradation”

Vocals, Tommy Victor, Dave Grohl (Bass)

Ahhhh Prong! What a great band and this sounds exactly like what you’d expect, erm like Prong.

“Clawhoof”

Vocals, Tairrie B. Murphy, Dave Grohl (Bass)

There’s a name I recognise, Tairrie asked me to photo one of her shows last year, small world! She’s a great vocalist, a Brody Dalle type growl but with a more ferocious heavy metal slant.

Oooooo time to slow things down. Stoner doom-metal territory. This is great, makes me want to go dig out some old Red Fang albums!

“Bleeding to Death”

Vocals, Vic Bondi, Dave Grohl (Bass)

Motorhead meets punk. This is pleasant. I’m not familiar with Bondi but I think I may come back and dig through some of his other work.

“Teenage Time Killer”

Vocals, Trenton Rogers

Greg Anderson (Guitar), Pat Hoed (Bass)

Oooooo a rather cool harmonized effect on the guitar intro, which smoothly makes way for a singalong verse.

And that’s it. It’s all over before you realise. Compact. Kickass and educational. 20 songs, it doesn’t feel like it, certainly not a chore to blast through these. Simply unadulterated rock fun. There is something on here for everyone, and I’m sure many will love some songs whilst hating others.

I think there’s a few artists on here I’ve overlooked or neglected and that’s the charm of projects like these, they can introduce you to some things you never even knew existed. Wish I had long hair to bang. Damn. I’m putting this album on again \m/

Hits since 2015

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